What's more American than onigiri?

Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend! We had a busy few days, taking in a couple of festivals. Josh, Laura, Zack, and Krystal came up on Friday and we headed to the Lisle Balloon Festival for some carnival food and fireworks. I love this setting on my camera!



It's hard to believe that this time last year, I was enjoying some fireworks in an alley with Bridgit, trying to catch a glimpse of some fireworks on base. And their lame attempt at a 4th of July party.



On Saturday, we headed to the Naperville Ribfest to grab some quick (and expensive) lunch with Zack and Krystal. Nothing like Americans feasting on greasy hunks of pig flesh to make you proud.

We had the afternoon free yesterday and finally made it to Mitsuwa, a Japanese grocery store. What a flashback. And where do all these Japanese people live?!?! We heard the usual grunts, the crazy kids running around, and stocked up on our goodies. Among the highlights: Pocari Sweat (remember sucking that down, Bridgit?!), azuki bean mochi that tastes perfect, and my favorite Pucca! We could have bought a lot more, but held back a bit. It was hilarious to remember various grocery store encounters.



In other news, the name of this blog could soon appropriate become "Into the Bend." Details to come later as life works itself out.